A contentious proposal for a major wind farm in Perthshire is facing significant hurdles, with local planning authorities recommending its rejection. The Glentarken wind farm, envisioned for a site above Loch Earn, has drawn criticism for its potential to inflict “significant detrimental impact” on the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and a nationally designated scenic area.
This development unfolds as community concerns escalate over not one, but two large-scale wind farm projects slated for the scenic landscapes northwest of Crieff. Both Glentarken and a neighbouring project in Glen Lednock have ignited passionate debate among residents, environmental groups, and local decision-makers, highlighting the delicate balance between renewable energy goals and landscape preservation in the heart of Scotland. Planners Raise Alarm Over Glentarken’s Visual Intrusion
Perth and Kinross Council’s planning officials have voiced strong reservations regarding the Glentarken scheme, advising elected representatives to formally object to the development. Their report underscores the turbines’ unacceptable intrusion into a precious natural environment. The proposed site, located approximately three kilometres east of Lochearnhead on the Drummond Estate, would host up to twelve towering turbines, each reaching a colossal height of 180 metres. These structures, along with associated battery storage systems, are deemed to fundamentally alter the character of an area renowned for its unspoiled vistas.
The primary concern centres on the proximity to the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area, a designation recognising its outstanding natural beauty. Planners argue that while the contribution to national renewable energy targets is important, it does not outweigh the profound and irreversible harm to this nationally protected landscape. This stance aligns with the views of NatureScot, Scotland’s natural heritage advisor, which has also formally objected to the Glentarken proposal for similar environmental reasons, emphasizing the ecological and visual sensitivity of the location. Two Giants on the Horizon: Glentarken and Glen Lednock
The Glentarken project is not an isolated case; it is part of a broader trend of large-scale renewable energy developments proposed for Perthshire. Just a short distance away, another significant wind farm is planned for Glen Lednock. This separate endeavour could feature up to nineteen turbines, with the tallest reaching an even greater height of 200 metres. The Glen Lednock project is being pursued by Oxygen Conservation as part of a wider “rewilding” initiative for the Invergeldie estate, adding a layer of complexity to the environmental discussions.
Given the considerable scale of both developments, neither will be decided by the local Perth and Kinross Council alone. Instead, both proposals fall under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit, meaning their ultimate fate will be determined at a national level, following comprehensive assessments and consideration of all representations. Community Rallies for Open Dialogue in Comrie
In response to the mounting public interest and concern, a crucial public meeting has been scheduled in Comrie to foster open discussion on both the Glentarken and Glen Lednock proposals. Organized by Comrie and District Community Council, the meeting aims to gather a wide range of local opinions before formal responses are submitted to the Scottish Government and Perth and Kinross planners. This public forum represents a vital opportunity for residents, landowners, and environmental advocates to articulate their views and influence the future of their local environment.
The meeting is set to take place at the White Church in Comrie on Tuesday, September 2, commencing at 7 pm. Organizers of the ‘Save Glen Lednock’ campaign are actively encouraging all interested individuals to attend and make their voices heard, underscoring the collective desire to protect these cherished Highland Perthshire glens. The outcomes of such community engagement will undoubtedly carry significant weight in the ongoing assessment of these ambitious yet controversial energy projects.
These two projects are not the only wind farm proposals currently under consideration across Perthshire, with others in areas such as Fowlis Wester and Logiealmond also generating local discussions and public meetings, highlighting an ongoing regional debate about sustainable energy, landscape preservation, and community impact.
This development unfolds as community concerns escalate over not one, but two large-scale wind farm projects slated for the scenic landscapes northwest of Crieff. Both Glentarken and a neighbouring project in Glen Lednock have ignited passionate debate among residents, environmental groups, and local decision-makers, highlighting the delicate balance between renewable energy goals and landscape preservation in the heart of Scotland. Planners Raise Alarm Over Glentarken’s Visual Intrusion
Perth and Kinross Council’s planning officials have voiced strong reservations regarding the Glentarken scheme, advising elected representatives to formally object to the development. Their report underscores the turbines’ unacceptable intrusion into a precious natural environment. The proposed site, located approximately three kilometres east of Lochearnhead on the Drummond Estate, would host up to twelve towering turbines, each reaching a colossal height of 180 metres. These structures, along with associated battery storage systems, are deemed to fundamentally alter the character of an area renowned for its unspoiled vistas.
The primary concern centres on the proximity to the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area, a designation recognising its outstanding natural beauty. Planners argue that while the contribution to national renewable energy targets is important, it does not outweigh the profound and irreversible harm to this nationally protected landscape. This stance aligns with the views of NatureScot, Scotland’s natural heritage advisor, which has also formally objected to the Glentarken proposal for similar environmental reasons, emphasizing the ecological and visual sensitivity of the location. Two Giants on the Horizon: Glentarken and Glen Lednock
The Glentarken project is not an isolated case; it is part of a broader trend of large-scale renewable energy developments proposed for Perthshire. Just a short distance away, another significant wind farm is planned for Glen Lednock. This separate endeavour could feature up to nineteen turbines, with the tallest reaching an even greater height of 200 metres. The Glen Lednock project is being pursued by Oxygen Conservation as part of a wider “rewilding” initiative for the Invergeldie estate, adding a layer of complexity to the environmental discussions.
Given the considerable scale of both developments, neither will be decided by the local Perth and Kinross Council alone. Instead, both proposals fall under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit, meaning their ultimate fate will be determined at a national level, following comprehensive assessments and consideration of all representations. Community Rallies for Open Dialogue in Comrie
In response to the mounting public interest and concern, a crucial public meeting has been scheduled in Comrie to foster open discussion on both the Glentarken and Glen Lednock proposals. Organized by Comrie and District Community Council, the meeting aims to gather a wide range of local opinions before formal responses are submitted to the Scottish Government and Perth and Kinross planners. This public forum represents a vital opportunity for residents, landowners, and environmental advocates to articulate their views and influence the future of their local environment.
The meeting is set to take place at the White Church in Comrie on Tuesday, September 2, commencing at 7 pm. Organizers of the ‘Save Glen Lednock’ campaign are actively encouraging all interested individuals to attend and make their voices heard, underscoring the collective desire to protect these cherished Highland Perthshire glens. The outcomes of such community engagement will undoubtedly carry significant weight in the ongoing assessment of these ambitious yet controversial energy projects.
These two projects are not the only wind farm proposals currently under consideration across Perthshire, with others in areas such as Fowlis Wester and Logiealmond also generating local discussions and public meetings, highlighting an ongoing regional debate about sustainable energy, landscape preservation, and community impact.